AB 126: Education Finance Omnibus Trailer Bill

The Governor's proposed Education Trailer Bill includes several new requirements affecting nonclassroom-based charter schools, used by many California homeschooling families.

While the stated goals include improving accountability, transparency, and student safety, some provisions could increase administrative requirements for charter schools and the educational vendors that serve them.

If enacted as currently proposed, families may experience reduced flexibility or fewer educational options if community-based providers determine the new requirements are too burdensome. As the Legislature considers the proposal, HSC encourages lawmakers to balance appropriate oversight of public funds with preserving the educational flexibility and diverse learning opportunities that many charter homeschool families rely on.

It is important to note that these proposed changes affect charter-based homeschooling (public school independent study programs). They do not directly affect families homeschooling through a Private School Affidavit (PSA), a private school satellite program (PSP), or the private tutor option.

Review the proposal

The Governor's proposed trailer bill language can be viewed here:

2026 Education Trailer Bill Language

Contact your legislators

If you have concerns about how these proposals could affect your family's educational options, you may wish to respectfully contact your State Senator and Assembly Member and share your perspective. Personal, respectful messages explaining how your family uses a charter homeschool program are often the most effective.

You can find your legislators here:

• Find My California State Senator and Assembly Member

You may also contact the Governor's office:

• Office of Governor Gavin Newsom – Contact Form

Timeline

Education trailer bills are part of California's annual state budget process. The Legislature is currently considering the Governor's proposal as part of the final budget negotiations. While the Legislature must pass the main budget bill by June 15, trailer bills and amendments are often negotiated and acted upon throughout June before the budget package is finalized. As of 6/29/26, the bill is being reviewed by the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee. If approved, it will go to the full Senate for a vote (it has already passed the House).

Because the Senate has made changes, it must pass the House again. If identical language is approved by both houses, it goes to the Governor for a signature and becomes law, taking effect immediately. None of the changes the Senate made substantively alter the sections homeschoolers may find objectionable, so, if you have concerns, be sure to contact your representatives as soon as possible.

If you wish to share your thoughts, contacting your legislators as soon as possible is advisable.